Electrically-heated humidifying apparatus



O.D.HOGUE ELECTRICALLY HEATED HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS April 21, 1925. 1,534,388

Filed May 9, 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 W015. 44 7' L a W Patented Apr. 21, I925.

OLIVER D. HOGUE, OF BROOKLINE, MASSAGE'USE'ITS.

ELEGTRICALLYTHEATED HUMIDIFYIHG APPARATUS.

Application filed May 8,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, OLIVER D. HooUE, a citizen of the United States. and resident of Brookline, in the county of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Electrically-Heated Humidifying Apparatus, of which the followin; description,- in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing like parts.

In my prior and copending application, Ser. No. 527,480, filed January 6, 1922. I have illustrated and claimed a humidifying unit or apparatus intended particularly for household and residential use and my present invention is an improved apparatus of the sametype.

In the present invention I have devised a novel and improved form of humidifying apparatus which operates with a constant and maintained liquid level, in combination with a relatively large reservoir or source of liquid supply which operates by a vacuum or barometric feed. Important features in the present apparatus consist in having the same more compact, convenient and coo-- uomical as well as in a more attractive form than formerly, and with extremely durable, strongand simple constructional features. The portability of: the present apparatus is also important as it facilitates movement from room to room of a house, if desired. as well as trans-shipment in commerce.

My development of humidifying apparatus. particularly of the household type, for indoor use, has culminated in the present humidii'ying apparatus. By having a relatively largo reservoir which can be easily removed, taken to a faucet, quickly filled and promptly replaced on the apparatus, where it will automatically be sealed and constitute a days supply for the humidifier.

and by supplying means which will automatically maintain exactly the level re-- quired in the vaporizing or heating portion, 1 have greatly improved this type of appa ratus and rendered it suitable for house hold use by unskilled persons. Furthermore, I have so constructed and arrangei'l the present humidifying apparatus that the automatic How of liquid supply from the large reservoir to the intermediate passe es maintaining the liquid level in the evaporating or vaporizing portion. will be gradually, "uniformly and proportionately fed without 1922. Serial No. 559,688.

unduly disturbing the water lei This is of desirable import nce as anal? rig: m t. maintain with considerable e. pro

determined water level and heating element relative the proper extent to lUl thereof. Thus I am enabled to cons ve the amount of electrical power for the l'ieating element to a relatively fine adjustment. Furthermore, by so positioning and arranging the evaporating and vaporizing portion protecting it from loss of heat hy radiation, a full efiiciency of the heating element which in this case is an electrical heating member as the positive vaporizing means--- is secured.

A further feature in the present apps ratus consists in the fact that I provide a plurality of exposed liquid surfaces, and preferably one of the liquid surfaces open to evaporation at normal temperatures is segregated from other liquid surfaces. whicn latter are intended to be under heat and artificial evaporating means. This arrangement. results in a very high degree of efii cieucy iu the vaporizing supply from a small and compact device, even one, exposed liquid surface open to normal. evaporation aiding: and adding to the moisture supply obtained by the artificiallydieated or vaporizing portion of the apparatus. I believe that this feature is a distii'ict novelty and therefore is claimed broadly herein. This arrangement proves to he of special advantage in connection with my novel ar rangement whereby a substantially predeterniined constant level is supplied together elliciencr with a large reservoir with an automatic intermittent liquid supply.

Additional e advanta es in my present form consist in the extreme sine plicity andv clieapness of coi'istruotiim. Thus I am enabled to provide a simple cast-- ing fora base and mainsupport, a vaporicing portion with means to apply and to remove an electrical heating cartridge permitting ready renewal when desired, a suit able support or stand for the main res voir with cooperating hero. eerie feed means to facilitate the flowing of: the liquid from the reservoir and Without hubhling or surplus discharge which would distort the liquid level in the vaporizqio" t .lS insuring maintenance P art predetern'iineel water level. means to prevent lrnhhl.

ill

over of the liquid in the vaporizing portion are also provided, together with heat insulating devices thereabout, to prevent any danger of injury from personal contact with the heating portion of the apparatus. Any suitable or desirable finish, nickel, sil ver, enamel or covering, can be applied, and the entire unit is so complete, compact and portable that it may be moved from place to place as desired, put on a shelf, under a stand or table, set on a radiator, window sill, or other convenient position.

In the present apparatus I have devised an improved feature which is automatic in its action and function as a safety factor, eliminating all danger in case the liquid supply is exhausted and obviating the necessity for automatic cut-outs, complex or expensive thermostatic arrangements or the like. It is most important in all electric heating apparatus to have a safety means which will eliminate the dangers from overheating, resulting fires, etc., and in my presentinvention I have provided for such safety feature. By so constructing and arranging the heating unit, and positioning it within the center of the evaporating chamber through which the liquid flows, surrounding the heating portion, I secure not only the benefit of great efficiency in the evaporating chamber, but also the safety feature just mentioned. The liquid supply flows freely to and around the heating element and in case of exhaustion of the liquid supply, a free flow and supply of air surrounding the heating-element will ensue, thus automatically supplying a continuous column of air in place of the liquid and thereby insulating the heating element from the rest of the apparatus, carrying away the excessheat, preventing damage and eliminating danger of overheatingirrespec;

tive of how long the heat supply may continue. Thus I eliminate shut-offs, thermostats, or the like, although it will be understood that such devices may be employed if desired, but as an important feature of the present invention is its simplicity, compact.- ness, cheapness, and safety, I prefer to provide this automatic safety feature through its constructional arrangement rather than by additional mechanism. I find that my novel arrangement will permit a heating temperature in the cartridge unit as high as 1000* Fahrenheit without the slightest danger when the liquid has been entirely boiled away or evaporated.

In carrying out the "present improved and preferred form ofthe invention, an additional" feature consists in the fact that my apparatus as now constructed and as herein illustrated, eliminates all joints, packing for air-, steam-, or water-tight flow, threaded conneetionsor the like. The advantages of these features will be readily appreciated plings or any other fastenings, connectionsor the like, the entire process effecting an automatic air-tight sealing of the connect- ,ing means from the reservoir to the rest of the apparatus. Thus I eliminate the necessity for gaskets, air-tight caps, connections or other devices which would otherwise be necessary in order to effectually cause the apparatus to function by a barometric feed.

Further important advantages and features will be hereinafter more fully pointed out and claimed.v

Referring to the drawings, illustrating a preferred embodiment of my present invention,"

Fig. 1 is a side view, partly in'cross-sec tion, illustrative of my present humiditying unit;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentaryplan view, also partly in cross-section;

Fig. 3 is an end View atright angles to that/illustrated in Fig. 1, andpartly in cross-section;

Fig. 4 being a fragmentary detailed crosssectional view. p v

. My present type of humidifying unit can be of any suitable size or ca acity, depend-- ent upon the work.) to be per ormed and the cubic contents of a room, to be treated.

As illustrated in the drawings, a convenient sized apparatus is approximately house or building ten inches square and twelve inches high,- which will provide an ample capacity forv an entire days use in a building, residence or rooms of from 5,000 to 7,500 cubicfeet capacity. The unit com rises a base 1 which may be stamped or easf out of any desired metal, preferably non Jorrosive, said base having legs. 2 and 3, formed as flanges if desired and being provided with openings cored'through upstanding bosses 5 and 6 substantially at opposite ends of the device,

these being connected by a cored passageway 10. The opening through the boss or rim 5 may be and preferablyis threaded to/re-fl threaded and of an upstanding circular hollow su port 12,

ceive the correspondingly said support having attached to its end a pan-shaped member 14 secured to the support 12 by a Water-tight joint, said member it being of a lengtlr'substantiallyequal 'Qsplas'h cup 40, of novel town-and "having an upstanding run or iar bemore fully explained.

to the width of the base, and with upstanding flared arms 16,16, at each end, of suitable strength and form to receive and hold the reservoir 20. This member l sin connection with the hollow support 12 constitutes an auxiliary reservoir as well as a liquid receiving and level maintaining intermediate supply of liquid from the large reservoir to the vapori' ing 'n'tion, The member ll is partially closed on this topmost surface by a plate 21, said plate having an aperture 22 therethrough to receive the projecting tubes 24 and 25 carried by the reservoir 20. These tubes 24 and project from the reservoir 20 to an equal extent and have mouths in the same alineinent, one tube 25 opening directly into the bottom of the ervoir 2,0 and the other tube 24 extending substantially through the interior of the reservoir 20 and opening adjacent the oppositeor top wall as shown in the drawings. A strengthening plate 26 may be pr Iided where these tubes pass through. the resets-- roir, which also affords a tirin bearing therefor. ,Preferably the reservoir 20 cylindrical in form and shape for ease in menu 'lacturing the same Waterand air-tight. providing greatest capacity for amount of matcrial used and also for appearance Prel crably I form in the larger tube 24 a V shaped slot 28-see Fig. 3-to facilitate an even flow of air through the tube 24 Wl'ien the water level 30 uncovers the apex of the slot 28, and thus permit an even discharge of liquid Within the reservoir 20 through the pipe 25 into the liquid mimtaincd in the panshaped member i l, Open support 11 passage 10, and in the vaporizing chamber, where of course the water will be at the same level, as indicated at till, 2-30 The. opening ti at the other end of the base i and in counnunieation with the pas sage 10 affords a bearing for a tube 33, the latter extending into the pas l and leaving; an annular opening the same, as indicated at 3% This permits a ii'ce flow either of water or of i: tc the water supply is cxhaus x i tiuucd, providing the safety te overheating, as above noted. the tube is a larger tube Or) be conveniently held in position Within an annular rib 2'6 formed ofthe base 1, as clearly illustrated land 2. There two tubes leave an ing space filled ivith telt 37, betwe Uniting the open tops of the concentric tubes and is a around the top, a central opening concentric depending ribs 4% of suitable extent and,

their respective open rotten rou nd operate with and retain the tops of the tubes and 35 respectively; This splash cup 40 is further formed with a higher central annular portion so that all excess liquid which may bubble, boil, or flow out of the opening 42 will not run back into the evaporating chamber, but will find its way out.- Wardlv to the rim 41. This feature is of still further importance accelerating; the evaporating cai'iacitv of the heating unit for the amount of currci'it supplied.

Preferably the central opening 42 is of slightly less diameter than that ol' the interior of the tube 33 to prevent undue bub bling or boiling: up of the liquid contained Within the tube 33. Fitted Within said tube and through a threaded hub or flange 46 in the base, opening through the cored passage it) and concentric with said tubes 33 and 34 is fitted a closed tubular member 49, extending urnverdly in said tube 33 to a level slightly below the liquid level 30 therein, said tube being adapted to contain and hold an electrical heating unit or cartridge 50. This cartridge 5 may he slipped within the tube 49, "JJlilN/lli disturbing the liquid contained herein, from underneath the base, and the current carrying wires 51 are led therefrom to a connecting plug .vvhcre it can be connected by sup ly wires to an electric light socket in. the baseboard, wall bracket, or other convenient location. This tube 49 is of slightly diameter exterior-1y than that of the interior of the tube 33, thereby leaving an. annular space around the same, which opens through the recess 34 into the cored opening ltl. Consequently, liquid received into the member 14 and support 32 will flow throingh the passage 10 and up Wardly in tho sp to an equal level 30, 30, in each part. illiquid being supplied and current turned on to the heater 5t), creates a ptr ire vaporizing or evaporating; chamber,

' heating and causing steam to genm the thin. ro'lnme of liquid around and ightly aboi'e the top of the cartridge 50 and the tube containing and 'n'otectinp the same, l. evaporizingdevico created .mo ii'uitantly etl'ective. because of the relatively slight amount of uter to be heated by the heating cartridge This t ature enables inqto employ a afforded with the surrounding tube 35 and the intermediate air space 37, filled with wool felt, thereby conserving almost the entire heat of tie cartridge unit to evaporate the liquid.

In order to in'ain the supply at con-- 3 unend ng; greater hniformity and cftici in the vaporizing portio I or 1 VJ fill the reservoir 26, which ran. be lfiftilllly accomplished by llt lifting it out and positioning the same with either open tube 24 or 25 under a faucet, then apply the reservoir upside down to the support afforded by the member 14 and arms 16. During this inverting action a small amount of water will flow out, or the finger can be held over the opening 25 only, thus preventing much, if any, water from escaping. Even should it escape, it will flow over the relatively large opening afforded by the member 14 without materially disturbing the level therein, and consequently without seriously changing the level in the vaporizing portion. Once in position the liquid is con tinually, easily and uniformly fed by a vacuum or barometric feed, as will be readily appreciated. As soon as the liquid level falls slightly below the opening afforded by the V-shaped slot 28 in the tube 24, air

will flow therethrough into the top of the reservoir 20 and permit a corresponding amount of liquid to flow out of the tube 25, thus maintaining the water level 30 substantially in a predetermined position. I find that the V-shaped slot 28 is most desirable in regulating, automatically, a uniform flow, and preventing a large bubble of air getting suddenly into the reservoir 20 and permitting a correspondingly large .amount of Water to flow therefrom and to materially raise the water level. As already noted, the large area afforded by themember 14 requires a considerableamount of water toma- 1 cartridge formed as a removable and hence easily renewable member. In order to facilitate the watertight joint feature I prefer to tit in the tube 49 permanently and leave the heating element removable therefrom. The reservoir automatically seals itself as soon as it is positioned and the water level reaches the top of the V-shaped slot 28 and no further attention need be given the same.

The compactness and portability of my present humidifying unit as well as the simple and strong construction enable the same to be marketed at a suitable price for household and individual use,'whereas, prior to my, inventions, humidifying apparatus have involved vast expense and and were only possible of installation in large "factories. My invention being d1 mechanisma of liquid feeding methods,

rected to an economical, inexpensive, and preferably portable and'complete unit, ca'pable of household and individual use, has for its object an entirely new field and purpose. To this end the very important feature of having the relatively large and referably automatic liquid supply in com ination with a relatively small vaporizing chamber in order to permit the vaporizing means, i. e., heating means, to be employed, which will make the ez'ipense of operation a negligible item, are important characteristics, and distinct novelties in this particular art, and therefore are claimed broadl herein. While I have illustrated an electrical heating member as the vaporizing means, I believe that my invention of a large liquid reservoir, automatic feed therefrom and constant level flow to a relatively small vaporizing chamber or portion, presents a -new and novel combination irrespective of the heating means, and therefore I wish to claim same broadly, and am not limited to an electric heating element, as gas, oil, steam or the like may, of course, be substituted for the electrical heater, while still carrying out my invention.

I also contemplate the combination with my humidif ing unit of automatic hydrostatic oontro s to regulate heat supplied and consequently the humidity diffused, and the length of working operation of the device. Control of the electric current of course controls the heat and this in turn controls t e humidity difi'used, the liquid consumed and consequentl the flow of liquid from the tank 20 to t e water level container and controlling portions, as well as to the vaporiz-- ing part of the'apparatus. The various novel features, advantages, constructions,-

and arrangement of parts herein illustrated andexplained, are believed to be broadly.

novel and patentable, particularly the combination of automatic means'for level maintenance in connection with a further liquid supply, in 'an apparatus of this kind; the position and arrangement of the splash cup and its function; the automatic safety feature permitting air current insulation in case the liquid is exhausted; the removability and interchangeability of the heating unit independently of distu 'bing or removing the water supply and tie capacity for filling and adjusting the supply independently of disturbing the heating unit;

the various details for preventing undue disturbance intlie water level and excessive:

bubbling in the evaporating chamber; as well as other features and comblnations' as hereinafter specified in the'claims.

The combination inihumidifying appa-. ratusofthe kind described, of a plurality.

specifically exthe barometric feed from the emplified by tank, and agravity feeding large supply vaporizing receptacle \vh.

provided by the hollow members 12 and 33 and the passage 10, resulting in maintaining an ellicientand substantially predetermined water level, is believed to be new, and is therefore claimed broadly herein.

M i inventitni is further described and dclinot in the form of claims as follows:

1. Huinidifying apparatus, comprising a ein a substantially constant liquid le el is maintained, a liquid supplying r .servoir larger than said vaporizing chamber and havinga corresponding liquid level, and automatic liquid supplying connections to said larger receptacle, permitting liquid supply thereto w1thout materially disturbing the maintained liquid level in the vaporizing receptacle, in combination with removable electrical heatin means and heat insulation means for said vaporizing chamber.

2. Humidifying apparatus of the kind described, comprising a, base having a cored passage therethrough, openings at each end of said cored passage, one opening exteiub ing upwardly to afi'ord a atcr containing receptacle, a removable reservoir titted in combination with said receptacle and adapted to refill the receptacle by barometric feed, a steam generating receptacle of relatively small capacity, Opening from the other end of said passage, heat insulation means therefor and an electric heating elemnt in connection therewith, whereby a constant Water level is maintained in the heating receptacle. i

3. A portable lniinidifying apparatus of the kind described, comprising a base having a cored passe therethrough, openings at each and of said cored passage, one opening extending upwardly to ad'oi'd a water contaiuing receptacle, a removable reservoir fitted in coinbinati-iu; with said receptacle and adapted to reiill the receptacle by barometric ,l, a steam generating receptacle of relat vcly small "apacit'y, opening from the other end of aid passage, beat insulation means l'lhticloy and an electric hoatinc clon'ieut in connection therewith, whereby a constant water level maintained in the heating receptacle.

.4. Apparatus adapted to provide an automatic tianslt-r of liquid from a sealed rcceptacle into an open receptacle, by barometric feed, having means to insure uniform flow (lining lid transfer, said means consisting in a. projecting); tube from the sealed member having its open mouth below the liquid level in. the open, member, and an air adn'iittin' lot exteiiding lrointhe mouth of the pro; -ting tube to adjacent the liquid of the liquid supply for air iusulat ion on the heating element.

(3. Electrically heated huuiidil'yiiu; apparatus including a series of rclatircly ain liquid supply, means condut-Lug said liquid to the heating element, and automatic s: M; means creating an air insulating (llll'tzrl' around said heating element upon dist-tun tinuance of the liquid supply.

7. Electrically heat-ed apparatus compri ing a heating element, insulating means for said heating element confining the trans fer of heat therefrom to a predetcrminctl space, means affording a liquid supply to said space, said means automatically pcrmittiun air supply to said space upon exhaustion oi the liquid therein.

8. Humidifying apparatus of the hind dc scribed, comprising an evaporating cham ber, a heating element adapted to be ptbl" tioned substantially centrally of said chaun her, said chamber having an open top and bottom whereby a free llow of either liquid or air may enter at the open bottom and escape from the top and surroiunl the heat ing element as provided.

t). Huinidil'ying apparatus of the hind dcscribed, comprising a liquid supply reservoir, an evaporating receptacle, means to cause a regulated flow from said rcscrvoi r to said receptacle, m ans ellecting the artiticial vaporizing of the liquid in said receptacle, and air-tight connections from said supply reservoir to the receptacle indcpt .idcnt ot' couplings packing joints, threaded (Ollllttftions or the like.

10. Huinidifying apparatus oi the kind described, comprising a removable liquid supply reservoir, an evaporating receptacle, means to cause a regulated llow from said reservoir to said receptacle, means clic tiu r the artificial vaporizing of the liquid in said receptacle, and air-light connections from 'said supply reservoir to the rccc taclc iudr pendent of couplings, packing joints. llllt:l='l ed connections or the like. \vlu-rcbv l'tl i lv ll and replacement ol the supply reservoir is ctl'cct'cd with an air-tight seal produ ing barometric feed by the mere lilting ol' the receptacle for removing it and the action ot' replacing it in position when full.

11. Huniidifying apparatus of the kind described, comprising a removable liquid supply reservoir, an evap rating receptacle, means to cause a rcgulated flow from said reservoir to said receptacle, means eliccting the artificial vai'iin'izing of the liquid in said receptacle, and air-tight connections from said supply reservoir to the receptacle independent ot couplings, packing joints, threaded connections or the like, said apparatus being constructed and arranged to maintain a substantially predetermined liquid level during the removal and replacement of the supply reservoir.

till

12. Humidifying apparatus of the kind cedescribed, comprising separable portions,

one constituting a liquid supply, and the other consisting in a vaporizing receptacle, cooperating means for uniting the two members independently of couplings, packings or the like, and a removable heating unit, said supply reservoir and the heating unit being separately removable independently of the connections for said removable members.

13. Portable humidifying apparatus, comprising a fixed. vaporizing receptacle, means heating unitindependent of disturbing the liquid level, in combination with a removable liquid supply reservoir constructed and arranged for barometric feed, and means connecting the removable sgpply reservoir.

independently of couplings, conduits or the like.

14. Humidifying apparatus. of the kind described, comprising means affording a pluat another surface.

15. Humidifying apparatus of the kind described, having a plurality of liquid evaporating surfaces operable at different. temperatures.

16. Humidifying apparatus of the kind described, having a plurality of liquid evaporating surfaces operable at different temperatures, in combination with liquid supplying means to maintain said plurality of surfaces at substantially predetern'iined level.

17. Humidifying apparatus of the kind described, having a plurality of liquid evaporating surfaces operable at different temperatures, in combination with' liquid supplying means automatically operable to compensate for the varying evaporations of each surface and to maintain the same at substantially predetermined level.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

OLIVER D. HOGUE. 

